Citrus supply response in Kyoga plains agricultural zone, Uganda

Abstract

Citrus is a high value crop with great potential in Uganda. Of the various types grown, orange fruits constitute the top most cash income earner among smallholders in Kyoga Plains Agricultural Zone in eastern Uganda. However, its supply has been characterized by low quantities thus limiting the smallholder benefits from opportunities offered by the increasing market demand. This study aimed to quantify the effect of socio-economic, institutional and infrastructural factors on citrus supply so as to provide a guide to strategic interventions and production planning. Based on cross-sectional data estimates of OLS model, findings showed that market access, institutional belonging, mobile phone/contact, investment and fertiliser affect citrus supply response. Institutional belonging, mobile phone and fertilizer elicited the highest magnitude of effect on supply response and as such could be prioritized for strategic interventions.